Urchin Corals (and Calcifiers of Change (VIC) 2019 and Calcifiers of Change (QLD) 2021)

Background: Marine conservation, marine citizen science and educational institutions most commonly work on projects to increase the level of ocean literacy among the public. I am among the small number of designers who are finding innovative ways to contribute to ocean literacy and marine conservation. Other designers such as Julia Lohmann and Alex Goad have also featured in prominent exhibitions, including Broken Nature for Triennale di Milano and MoMA. The exhibition 'Critical Tide' which I co-curated for Helsinki Design Museum, brought together works by several artists and designers.The publication 'More-than-Human' (2020) reflects the emerging conversation regarding nonhumans and nature. Emerging design approach of more-than-human design aims to include nonhumans as clients and stakeholders. Authors such as Laura Forlano and Cristoph D.D Rupprecht are among known authors. Contribution: Urchin Corals installation at the NGV 2020 Triennial contributed to public understanding of the issues and opportunities in Port Phillip Bay and at Great Barrier Reef. Two films show anthropogenic problems in these locations. I envisioned and created the films together with underwater film maker Tom Park. The 3D printed corals, made with biopolymer-sea urchin shell material, offered a snapshot into my research in marine conservation technology. I have developed the materials for the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program for the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest effort to restore an ecosystem, where I am a collaborator since early 2020. Significance: The NGV International Triennial, occurring every three years is a globally significant exhibition. The 2020 Triennial featured over 100 leading and emerging artists and designers across creative disciplines. My installation was featured in the New York Times, Australian Financial Review and Wallpaper, among others.